Chapter U5.101, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason of having an inner chamber and outer chamber of bomb calorimeter needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: The science of measuring the released or absorbed energy in a chemical reaction or physical change is called as calorimetry. Nutritionist and chemist use a bomb calorimeter to find out the calorie content of combustible substance.

Answer to Problem 2E

The two chambers of bomb calorimeter are designed in such a way that calorie content of a substance can be measured.

Explanation of Solution

The bomb calorimeter contains an inner chamber called as bomb where the combustion reaction takes place. The outer chamber consists of water which is completely isolated. When the combustion reaction takes place in the inner chamber, heat is produced and the heat is transferred to the outer chamber which contains water. Then the heat released to water can be calculated to find out the calorie content of the substance.

Conclusion

Two chambers make the calorimeter insulated, that is, no release of heat to the surrounding and all heat of the combustion reaction is used to heat water to find calorie content of the substance.